Modular safety support system

ABSTRACT

A modular safety support system having a modular support structure mounted to a fixed surface and a modular support accessory mountable on the modular support structure. The modular support structure may include a vertical support pole, a support post, or a wall mount and the modular support accessory may include one or more of a plurality of structures configured to provide support means to a user. The support pole has upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmly and releasably against opposed ceiling and floor surfaces respectively. The support post includes a base mountable to the floor and a post extending vertically from the base. The pole and the post may both include a bushing mounted along the length of the pole and the post such that an accessory mounting sleeve may be mountable onto the bushing for mounting the modular support accessories thereon. The wall mount includes a first and second rail mountable to a wall and a first and second mounting member mountable to the first and second rail such that modular support accessories may be mounted thereon.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No.2,488,852 filed Dec. 29, 2004 entitled Modular Safety Support Systemwhich claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,465,572filed Apr. 28, 2004 entitled Support Pole and Rail System.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of support structures such as posts,rails and like devices, and in particular, it relates to a modularsystem that provides ready and stable support to assist the elderly, thehandicapped and persons suffering from physical disabilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the prior art to provide rails or poles such as describedin Canadian Patent No. 1,291,470 which issued to Lunau et al on Oct. 29,1991 for a Safety Support Structure, wherein a post having upper andlower ends adapted to abut firmly against a ceiling and floor surfacerespectively is provided. Further, as taught by Lunau, an accessorymounting region is disposed between the upper end and the lower end.Further, the post has a length adjustment means and a pressureindicating means to indicate whether the pressure on the structure, whenpositioned between the floor and the ceiling, lies inside or outside apredetermined range of pressures so as to avoid inflicting damage on thefloor or ceiling surface and so as to inhibit slippage of the post.Rails or like laterally extending support accessories are mountable ontothe post at the accessory mounting region by clamping thereto so as toresist axial or rotational displacement of the rail or like supportaccessories relative to the post. The pressure indicating means is aviewing eye to view a colour indicator on a sleeve slidingly journalledbehind the viewing eye such that the sleeve slides past the viewing eyeas a compression spring is compressed.

Applicant is also aware of Canadian Patent No. 2,096,681 which issued toMardero et al. on Jun. 4, 1996 for a Safety Rail Attachment. The Marderoet al. Safety Rail Attachment discloses a security rail attachment for abed having a post with an adjustable foot at a lower end, a rail portionmounted within the post and rotatable about the vertical axis of thepost, and an attachment rail which extends across the end of the bedwhich includes clamping elements for clamping to angle irons along thesides of the bed. The rail portion may project outwardly from the bed,perpendicularly thereto, for assisting a user in standing or may liealong the side of a bed as a rail bed.

Applicant is also aware of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,121,731which was filed Apr. 20, 1994 and laid open Oct. 24, 1994, for theBathing Apparatus for the Infirm of Mardero et al. In his '731application, Mardero teaches a modular system for conventional tub andshower enclosures where a pivotable support bar member may be positionedso as to project outwardly from a rear wall of the enclosure to assistthe user standing in the enclosure.

Applicant is also aware of Canadian Patent No. 2,148,521 which issuedMay 21, 2002 for a Support Pole with Pivoting and Locking Handrail forElderly and Disabled Persons. What is disclosed is a telescopic poleadapted to be vertically fixed between a floor and ceiling of a room andhaving a horizontal handrail pivotally mounted thereon.

Applicant is also aware of U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,100 which issued Jun. 10,2003 to Faucher et al. for Support Structures, wherein a patienthandling system including a telescopic track extending between a pair oftelescopic masts is disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The safety support poles and poles-and-rail system according to thepresent invention may include a pair of such poles supporting anelevated rail extending therebetween. Each pole has upper and lower endsadapted to abut firmly and releasably against opposed ceiling and floorsurfaces respectively. Length adjustment means are mounted into the endcooperating with a releasably mountable torque application means, and inone embodiment also torque indicating means, releasably mountable onto,so as to cooperate with, the length adjustment means. Resilient biasingmeans mounted in the upper end resiliently bias the upper end away frompressure distributing means for distributing pressure onto the ceilingsurface along a longitudinal axis of the support pole. The base mountingof the pole and the mounting of the rigid rail between the poles resistsrotational movement of the upper end relative to the pressuredistributing means. The lower end of the pole is non-rotatably mountableto a base member releasably positionable on the floor surface invertically opposed relation to the pressure distributing means. A torquemay thus be applied by the torque application means at the upper end.

Advantageously, the pressure distributing means includes an upwardlyconcave resiliently bowed elongate pressure bearing member adapted to bemounted to the upper end medially along the length of the member andsufficiently long so that opposite end portions of said member bearupwardly against ceiling studs or joints or other rigid ceilingsupporting members (collectively herein “studs”).

Advantageously, the length adjustment means is an elongate threadedmember threadably mountable longitudinally within a cavity in the upperend of the pole, although mounting same within the lower end of the poleis intended within the ambit of the present invention. The threadedmember is threadably mountable into threaded engagement within athreaded receiving means such as a threaded collar mounted on the upperend of a helical spring itself mounted on the upper end of the pole. Thetorque application means cooperates with the elongate threaded member soas to rotate in threaded engagement the elongate threaded member withinthe threaded receiving means when a torque is applied by the torqueapplication means and to thereby extend the elongate threaded memberfrom, or retract the elongate threaded member into, the upper endselectively according to opposite first or second directions of rotationof the elongate threaded member about the longitudinal axis. An upperend of the threaded member mates with, or mounts into or with, anon-rotatable coupler on the pressure bearing member so as to inhibitrotation of the threaded member relative to the pressure bearing memberabout the longitudinal axis of the pole.

Further advantageously, the torque application means is a torque rod orother lever or handle (collectively referred to herein as a torque rod)snugly releasably mountable into a corresponding socket mounted to thethreaded collar so that the rod protrudes cantilevered generallyperpendicularly from the threaded collar when the torque rod isreleasably mounted in the socket, and wherein the upper end of theelongate threaded member extends journalled through the spring from theupper end of the pole when the elongate threaded member is in threadedengagement within the threaded collar.

In one aspect of the present invention, the means for resisting rotationof the upper end relative to the pressure distributing means is a meansfor rigidly non-rotatably mounting the lower end of the pole to the basemember.

Yet further advantageously, the torque rod is adapted to be generallyrigid below a first torque value and adapted to flexibly deform abovethe first torque value. The first torque value may correspond to atorque applied in the first or second rotational direction to theelongate threaded member so as to apply a corresponding first pressureagainst the ceiling surface by the pressure distributing means andagainst the floor surface by the base member, wherein the first pressureis sufficient to securely frictionally mount the pole vertically betweenthe ceiling and floor surfaces without damaging either the ceilingsurface or the floor surface, and in a preferred embodiment to alsoflatten the bowed pressure bearing members against the ceiling and thefloor without damage to either the ceiling or floor.

In the prior art, poles may be made of smooth steel with an added foamgrip, molded plastic handgrip ribs over the smooth steel poles ortextured grit in or on top of surface paint. The support pole accordingto the present invention may have hand grip grooves greater than oneeighth inch in depth which are crimped into the steel wall of the poleand which may be manufactured more efficiently than in the prior artwhile still providing a safe and durable hand grip surface.

Prior art poles have an outer cover which slides up the outside of thepole to hide the adjustment threaded rod and which is not firmlyattached to the pole during storage or transport. During cleaning, wateror cleaning solutions may run down the pole and into the inside of thiscover which then funnels it down the inside of the cover and then ontothe floor plate. The fluid inside the outer cover cannot be removed andso may continue to weep out onto the floor plate and nearby flooring fora period of time after the cleaning, which in turn can lead to aslipping accident. The present pole has the outer cover inside the poletube so as to keep any water or cleaning fluids flowing down the outsideof the pole and outer cover. This design allows all of the cleaningfluid to be removed from the pole and floor plate thereby preventing apossible slipping accident. The outer cover remains attached to the poleso as not to become lost during transport or storage.

In the prior art, poles are mounted to ceiling channels which are lessthan twenty-four inches in length and which must be positioned directlyunder and at right angles to the ceiling support structure, the studs,to prevent damage to the ceiling. The pole of the present invention usesa channel which is greater than twenty-four inches in length so thatwhen oriented on the diagonal across the ceiling, the longer span of thechannel will result in the center of the channel (the pole attachmentpoint and center of pressure) always being either under a ceilingsupport or will span between two adjoining ceiling support structuresthereby preventing possible ceiling damage. This also eliminates theneed and safety hazard in using a ladder and stud finder to locate theceiling support structures above the ceiling and determine theorientation of these ceiling support structures. The design of having aceiling channel with a longer length than that of any cantileveredaccessory, such as a cantilevered arm, being mounted on the same poleresults in a higher torque resistance for the ceiling channel than thetorque generated by the accessory. This reduces the chance that theceiling channel will slip when subjected to strong torque from a personusing an accessory.

Prior art poles use floor plates and ceiling channels which are flat,that is un-bowed. The pole of the present invention mates to apre-arched (bowed) floor plate and ceiling channel, which as it flattensagainst the floor/ceiling more evenly distributes the pressure on thefloor/ceiling to prevent damage to the flooring or ceiling. Creatingmore pressure and thereby more grip on the outer ends of the channel andfloor plates makes them less likely to slip on the floor or ceiling whensubjected to twisting forces. Holding the pole more firmly in placereduces the likelihood that the pole will come free and fall down whensubjected to a severe pull or twisting action by a user pulling on thepole or cantilevered accessory.

Prior art poles typically use set screws to attach their accessories.Such set screws may dig into or through the paint finish and then dentthe steel pole in order to hold the accessory firmly in place. The poleof the present invention attaches all accessories using a protectivesleeve which prevents damage to the paint finish. The attachmentmechanism includes a clamping band which evenly distributes pressureover the plastic sleeve and underlying pole to inhibit distortion ordenting of the pole. This allows the accessories to be securely attachedanywhere along the length of the pole without incurring any damage tothe pole. This design also incorporates a limited slip action betweenthe protective sleeve and the surface of the pole. This safety featurelimits the twisting torque exerted on the ceiling channel by an attachedaccessory and thereby prevents the ceiling channel from slipping on theceiling, which might in turn cause the pole to fall down.

Prior art poles may have an accessory comprised of a single handrail baror pivoted handle. The pole of the present invention may include anaccessory such as a long handrail loop. This design provides ahorizontal and vertical surface out from the pole, which offers morehand hold positions. The large radius foam covered end of the loop isless likely to inflict serious injuries and bruises caused by a fallagainst the end of the handrail. The loop design affords greater weightbearing without damage or structural failure. Unlike prior art which canbe positioned to resist torsional rotation forces which has resulted ina rotational separation at either the floor or ceiling and a lateralshifting of the pole, this device uses a positioning collar which iscinched tightly over a plastic sleeve. The collar permits rapidpositioning of the handle along the length of the pole while the handleis free to rotate about the collar.

Prior art poles may also have an accessory comprised of a trapeze handlesuspended from a single support bar. The pole of the present inventionmay include a support bar having an attached diagonal suspension rodthat provides additional strength, which in turn allows the support barto be longer while still maintaining the same suspended weight. Thelonger reach of the support bar places a trapeze handle further out overthe bed or chair where it is usually required by a patient.

Prior art poles may further have an accessory tray comprised of a simplehook-on attachment. The pole of the present invention may have a traywhich includes a strong steel frame and bushing which allows the tray tobe repeatedly moved back and forth or rotated around the pole withoutdenting the pole or damaging the finish on the pole. The clamping designof the bushing allows the tray to remain at the desired height even whenrotated back and forth or around the safety pole.

Safety poles of the present invention, when used in pairs or in tandem,with a connector rigidly mounted near the upper end, may support betweenthem a rigid rail or track. This track is configured to accommodate aconventional patient hoist and associated harness well known in the art.

In summary, the modular safety support system according to the presentinvention includes a modular support structure rigidly mounted to afixed surface and a modular support accessory mountable on the modularsupport structure. The modular support structure may be selected from agroup consisting of a vertical support pole, a support post, and a wallmount and the modular support accessory may be selected from the groupconsisting of a rigid rail connector, a rigid loop, a trapeze handle, atray, a retractable bar, a rigid bar, and a bed frame support. Themodular support accessory includes a split accessory mounting sleevehaving clamping means mounted thereon for mounting the modular supportaccessory on the modular support structure.

In an embodiment of the invention wherein the modular support structureis a vertical support pole, the vertical support pole of the presentinvention includes opposite upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmlyand releasably against opposed ceiling and floor surfaces respectively.Length adjustment means are mounted into the pole so as to cooperatewith a releasably mountable torque application means releasablymountable onto, so as to cooperate with, the length adjustment means. Aresilient biasing means is mounted in the pole resiliently biasing theopposite ends of the pole apart along a longitudinal axis of the pole. Apressure distributing means is mounted onto the upper end of the pole.The pressure distributing means is for distributing pressure onto theceiling surface. The upper end is adapted, by releasable mounting meanscooperating with the pressure distributing means, to resist rotationalmovement of the upper end relative to the pressure distributing means.The lower end is mountable to a base member on the floor surface. Thebase member is in vertically opposed relation to the pressuredistributing means. The pole may further include a bushing mounted tothe pole positioned along the length of the pole. The accessory mountingsleeve is mountable onto the bushing for mounting thereto the modularaccessory. As the length of the pole is increased by the lengthadjusting means, the resilient biasing means increases a biasing forceurging the ends of the pole apart.

In one embodiment, the base member may be curved concavely downwardly.It may be resilient so as to resiliently deform under the pressureexerted along the longitudinal axis of the pole by the resilient biasingmeans to thereby flatten against the floor surface, and to re-form intothe concavity upon any compacting down of the floor surface.

The resilient biasing means may be a coil spring. The length adjustmentmeans may be an elongate threaded member threadably mountablelongitudinally within a cavity in the pole, wherein it is threadablymountable into threaded engagement within a threaded receiving meansmounted on the spring. The upper end of the elongate threaded memberextends journalled through the spring from the upper end of the polewhen the elongate threaded member is in threaded engagement within thethreaded collar. An upper end of the threaded member mates with anon-rotatable coupler on the pressure bearing member so as to inhibitrotation of the threaded member relative to the pressure bearing memberabout the longitudinal axis of the pole.

The torque application means cooperates with the elongate threadedmember so as to rotate in threaded engagement the elongate threadedmember within the threaded receiving means, which may be a threadedcollar, when a torque is applied by the torque application means. Theelongate threaded member is thereby extended selectively from, orretracted into, the upper end according to opposite first or seconddirections of rotation of the elongate threaded member about thelongitudinal axis of the pole. The torque application means may be atorque rod snugly releasably mountable into a corresponding socketmounted to or in the threaded collar so that the rod protrudescantilevered generally perpendicularly from the threaded collar when thetorque rod is releasably mounted in the socket.

The torque rod may be adapted to be generally rigid below a first torquevalue and adapted to flexibly deform above the first torque value. Thefirst torque value corresponds to a torque applied in the first orsecond rotational direction to the elongate threaded member so as toapply a corresponding first pressure against the ceiling surface by thepressure distributing means and against the floor surface by the basemember, wherein the first pressure securely frictionally mounts the polevertically between the ceiling and floor surfaces without damagingeither the ceiling surface or the floor surface.

The upper end may advantageously be mounted to the pressure distributingmeans by a universal joint means. The pressure distributing means mayinclude an upwardly concave resiliently bowed elongate pressure bearingmember adapted to mount to the upper end generally medially along thelength of the member and elongate a sufficient length so that oppositeend portions of the pressure bearing member may be brought to bearupwardly against ceiling studs supporting the ceiling surface. Thepressure bearing member may be deformable under the pressure exertedalong the longitudinal axis by the resilient biasing means. The firsttorque value may also be sufficient to flatten the bowed pressurebearing member.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the bushing is asplit bushing, and may be resilient. The mounting sleeve may be a splitsleeve having clamping means mounted thereon for releasably clamping thesleeve onto the bushing.

In one embodiment, the lower end of the pole is mounted onto the basemember by means of a male member in mating engagement with a femalereceiver. The male member may have at least one ridge along its lengthfor snug frictional mating with the female receiver. The male member maybe mounted to the base member. The female receiver may be a cavity inthe lower end of the pole. Crimped handgrip grooves may be formed on anouter cylindrical surface of the pole.

A pressure-level indicating means may cooperate between the coil springand the threaded member so that, as the spring is compressed with therotation of the threaded member in threaded engagement with the threadedreceiving means, a pressure indicating marker signals excessive force ata damage threshold for the ceiling or floor. The marker may be acontrasting band on a tube extending along the spring.

In another embodiment of the invention, wherein the modular supportstructure is a support post, the support post includes a base mountableon a floor surface and a rigid post extending vertically from the base.A bushing is mountable on the post such that the bushing is positionedalong a length of the post and the accessory mounting sleeve ismountable onto the bushing for mounting thereto the modular supportaccessory.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the bushing is asplit bushing, and may be resilient. The mounting sleeve may be a splitsleeve having clamping means mounted thereon for releasably clamping thesleeve onto the bushing.

In another embodiment of the invention, wherein the modular supportstructure is a wall mount, the wall mount comprises a first and a secondrail each having a mounting means for mounting the first and second railon a wall. A first and a second mounting member is mountable on thefirst and second rail, respectively. The first and said second mountingmembers are configured to be insertable in opposing ends of the mountingsleeve for mounting thereto the modular accessory. The first and secondrail may be generally horizontally or generally vertically mounted onthe wall in a parallel and spaced apart orientation. A bushing isdisposed within the mounting sleeve.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the bushing is asplit bushing, and may be resilient. The mounting sleeve may be a splitsleeve having clamping means mounted thereon for releasably clamping thesleeve onto the bushing.

The modular support accessory for mounting on the pole, the post, andthe wall mount of the present invention may include a rigid loop which,when mounted to the pole, the post, or the wall mount, is cantileveredoutwardly of the pole, the post, or the wall mount by the length of theloop, the loop being elongate along its length. The modular supportaccessory may also include a rigid rail connector for the mounting of arigid rail extending between a pair of the poles, posts, or wall mounts.The modular support accessory may also include a trapeze handle attachedto a flexible strap, the flexible strap attached to a distal end of acantilevered arm which extends generally perpendicularly from the pole,the post, or the wall mount when mounted thereon. Another accessory mayinclude a tray having a frame and a removable tray top wherein the frameextends generally perpendicularly from the pole, the post, or the wallmount when mounted thereon. A further support accessory may include aretractable bar pivotably mounted on a bracket such that the retractablebar may displace between a first position and a second position whereinwhen in the first position, the retractable bar extends generallyperpendicularly from the pole, post, or wall mount and when in a secondposition, the retractable bar extends generally parallel to the pole,the post, or the wall mount when mounted thereon. Another accessory mayinclude a rigid bar which extends generally perpendicularly from thepole, the post or the wall mount when mounted thereon. Yet anotheraccessory includes a bed frame support having an elongate L-shapedsupport for engaging a first side of a bed frame in a generally parallelorientation and an elongate member for engaging a second opposing sideof the bed frame in a generally perpendicular orientation when the bedframe support is mounted on the pole or the post. The bed frame supportanchor provides additional stability to the pole or the post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is, in perspective view, a prior art pole mounted between aceiling and floor.

FIG. 2 is, in side elevation cross sectional view, one form of supportpole of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, partially exploded perspective view of analternative form of support pole.

FIG. 3 a is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 a is, a perspective view taken from FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 b is a side elevation view of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5 is, in perspective view an alternative support pole.

FIG. 6 is, in perspective view, a pair of poles supporting a railmounted therebetween according to one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, partially exploded, portion of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates in elevation view, one embodiment of an accessory barmountable to a support pole according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 a is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is in elevation view, one embodiment of a grab rail mountable toa support pole according to one aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 10 a is in enlarged perspective view a portion of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is, in elevation view, one embodiment of a swing-arm traymountable to a support pole according to one aspect of the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 a is a sectional view taken on line 11 a-11 a of FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is, in partially cut-away perspective view a portion of theswing arm tray of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 a is a perspective view of an embodiment of a modular safetysupport system according to the present invention having a liftable armsupport accessory mountable on a post support structure.

FIG. 13 b is a plan view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 13a.

FIG. 13 c is an exploded perspective view of the modular safety supportsystem of FIG. 13 a.

FIG. 14 a is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themodular safety support system according to the present invention, havinga hand or grab rail support accessory mountable on a post supportstructure.

FIG. 14 b is a front elevation view of the modular safety support systemof FIG. 14 a.

FIG. 14 c is a side elevation view of the modular safety support systemof FIG. 14 a.

FIG. 15 a is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themodular safety support system according to the present invention, havinga rigid bar support accessory mountable on a post support structure.

FIG. 15 b is a front view of the modular safety support system of FIG.15 a.

FIG. 15 c is a rear view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 15a.

FIG. 16 a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themodular safety support system according to the present invention, havinga liftable arm support accessory mountable on a wall mount supportstructure.

FIG. 16 b is a rear view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 16 c is a side view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 16 d is a plan view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 16a.

FIG. 16 e is an exploded perspective view of the modular safety supportsystem of FIG. 16 a.

FIG. 17 a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themodular safety support system according to the present invention, havinga hand rail support accessory mountable on a wall mount supportstructure.

FIG. 17 b is a front view of the modular safety support system of FIG.17 a.

FIG. 17 c is a side view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 17a.

FIG. 18 a is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themodular safety support system according to the present invention, havinga rigid bar support accessory mountable on a wall mount supportstructure.

FIG. 18 b is a front view of the modular safety support system of FIG.18 a.

FIG. 18 c is a side view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 18a.

FIG. 19 a is perspective view of an alternative embodiment of themodular safety support system according to the present invention, havinga rigid bar support accessory and a bed frame support accessorymountable on a post support structure.

FIG. 19 b is a front view of the modular safety support system of FIG.19 a.

FIG. 19 c is a side view of the modular safety support system of FIG. 19a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As seen in FIG. 1, it is known in the prior art to provide poles havingan adjustable length and which are mountable between ceiling and floorsurfaces where a pressure indicating means is provided along the lengthof the pole such as described above in relation to Canadian Patent No.1,291,470 from which the illustration of FIG. 1 is taken. Within thatillustration an adjustment means is generally indicated by referencenumeral 2. Adjustment means 2 incorporates an adjustment nut (not shown)which may be longitudinally translated along a threaded piston byrotation of the outwardly disposed collar 4. Translation of theadjustment nut compresses a spring (not shown) as the adjustment nut istranslated along a viewing slot or window 6. The amount by which theadjustment nut is translated relative to the viewing slot or windowagainst the return biasing force of the spring indicates the pressureexerted longitudinally along the length of the pole and against theceiling and floor support surfaces. It is one of the objects of thepresent invention is to provide a simplified mechanism for indicatingproper pressure adjustment when installing a safety pole and maintainingthe pressure exerted by a safety pole to account for compaction of acarpet or underlay on the floor surface or movement of ceiling joists.

As seen in FIGS. 2-12, wherein similar characters of reference denotecorresponding parts in each view, one embodiment of the modular safetysystem according to the present invention includes a safety supportstructure such as a support pole 10 having an upper end 12 and a lowerend 14 and a mid-section 16 therebetween. Safety support pole 10 may behollow along its entire length or merely hollow at its upper and lowerends.

As seen in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a length adjusting device 17 ismounted into the hollow end of lower end 14. The length adjusting deviceincludes an elongate threaded member 18 threadably mounted into threadedcooperating engagement within threaded nut or collar 20. Threaded nut orcollar 20 may be rigidly mounted within lower end 14 or may be a snugfitment so long as threaded nut or collar 20 is held rigid relative tolower end 14 when elongate threaded member 18 is rotated about alongitudinal axis A of pole 10 by rotation of elongate threaded member18 in direction B. Elongate threaded member 18 is rotated aboutlongitudinal axis A in direction B by means of a rotational torqueapplied by torque rod 22 when releasably mounted into bore hole 24 alongaxis C.

The lowermost end of elongate threaded member 18 may be rigidly mountedinto a safety cover or sleeve 26, in which case, aperture 29 is providedin sleeve 26 so as to journal torque rod 22 therethrough when releasablymounting torque-rod 22 into bore hole 24.

Bore hole 24 is oriented so that torque rod 22 extends generallyperpendicularly or is otherwise cantilevered from elongate threadedmember 18 and sleeve 26 when torque rod 22 is journalled within borehole 24.

Torque rod 22 is conveniently mountable into elongate threaded member 18at lower end 14 so that a user may merely bend down, insert torque rod22 into bore hole 24 and rotate elongate threaded member 18 and sleeve26 by using torque rod 22 as a lever so as to adjust the length of pole10 and the pressure exerted by upper end 12 and lower end 14 againstfloor 28 and ceiling 30 respectively. Torque rod 22, which may be steelor bronze or like malleable or ductile material or otherwise as in themanner of torque wrenches known in the art, is calibrated so that adesired torque may be applied when rotating shaft 18 as top and bottombearing plates flatten out so that a calibrated known pressure is thenapplied to ceiling 30 and floor 28 along axis A so as to prevent damageto the ceiling and floor.

Barrel 32 may be rigidly mounted to threaded nut or collar 20 and isrigidly mounted within lower end 14 by means of spacer 36 welded intoplace by means of plug or spot welds 36 a. The purpose of barrel 32 isto assist in longitudinally stabilizing elongate threaded member 18along longitudinal axis A. Thus, barrel is sized so as to snugly fitover elongate member 18 at an end of barrel 32 distal from threaded nutor collar 20 so as to snugly stabilize elongate threaded member 18therein.

The lowermost end of elongate threaded member 18 or of sleeve 26 mayextend as a nipple 40. Nipple 40 may be encased in a friction reducingcollar 42 which may be of Teflon, plastic or other friction reducingmaterial sized to be snugly inserted into corresponding aperture 44 inbase plate 46. Base plate 46 may have resilient or otherwise cushionedpad 48 mounted to an underside thereof so as not to mark or damage floor28. Thrust washer 50 may provide a bearing surface between a lowermostend of elongate member 18 or sleeve 26 and the upper surface of baseplate 46.

Upper end 12 has collar 52 rigidly mounted therein as by bolt 54 orother method of rigidly securing collar 52 within upper end 12. Helicalspring 56 may be mounted to, or bear against, collar 52 at the lowermostend of the spring, and may be mounted to or bear against bearing disc 58at its uppermost end.

Bearing plate 60, which may be an elongate channel member 60 a or aplate 60 b (as may be seen in FIG. 1) or like means for distributingpressure against ceiling 30 cooperates with pole 10 by splines 62 a and62 b rigidly extending between bearing plate 60 and bearing disc 58.Crimped handgrip grooves 161 may be provided along the outer surface ofthe pole.

As may be seen in FIGS. 2,3 and 3 a, splines 62 a and 62 b may be agenerally parallel spaced apart pair of planar flanges rigidly mountedto a base 64, spaced apart so as to receive therein in slidingengagement along longitudinal axis A, a laterally extending rigid membersuch as bolt 66. Bolt 66 slides between splines 62 a and 62 b asrelative movement between upper end 12 and bearing plate 60 causessplines 62 a and 62 b to compress helical spring 56. The spacing betweensplines 62 a and 62 b is such that, although bolt 66 is free to slidealong longitudinal axis A it may not rotate a significant distance in aradial arc about longitudinal axis A, being constrained between splines62 a and 62 b. The combined effect at the upper end of the pole is thatof a universal joint which provides for flexing of the pole, during usefor example, without tilting of the bearing surfaces bearing against theceiling. The channel thus remains flush against the ceiling, in fullfrictional engagement thereagainst. In the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, nut34 is free to tilt within splines 62 a and 62 b, which act as an end capover nut 34.

Thus, because bolt 66 is mounted rigidly to upper end 12, pole 10 is notfree to rotate about longitudinal axis A when a torque is applied bytorque rod 22 so as to rotate elongate threaded member 18 in directionA. Thus relative rotational movement is achieved between elongatethreaded member 18 and threaded nut or collar 20 so that, depending onwhether elongate threaded member 18 and threaded nut or collar 20 areleft or right hand threaded and depending on the direction of rotationoh elongate threaded member 18 relative to threaded nut or collar 20,elongate threaded member 18 is either extended from or retracted intolower end 14.

Extending elongate threaded member 18 from lower end 14 so as to bearagainst base plate 46 positioned on floor 28, translates upper end 12along longitudinal axis A towards ceiling 30. The upwards force istransferred through bolt 54 so as to compress helical spring 56 againstbearing disc 58 as splines 62 a and 62 b are engaged against bearingplate 64.

Once initially snugged against ceiling 30, bearing plate 60 providessufficient friction between ceiling 30 and bearing plate 60 so as toresist relative movement therebetween. Thus, rotation of torque rod 22does not have to be countered by hand applied torque to pole 10 oncebearing plate 60 has been snugged against ceiling 30 and nipple 40snugly inserted into aperture 44 so that sleeve 26 bears against thrustwasher 50.

Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 4 a, 4 b and 5-8, nipple 40may be alternatively formed as an upstanding ring 40′ secured to theupper surface of base plate 46. Raised ridges 40 a′ on the outer surfaceof ring 40′ allows end 14 of pole 10 when firmly seated over ring 40′ toresist torsional forces while allowing some flexure of the pole.

Length adjusting device 17 may in the embodiment of FIGS. 4-8 be mountedon or into the upper end 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the lengthadjusting device includes an elongate threaded shaft or member 18threadably mounted into threaded cooperating engagement within threadednut or collar 24. Threaded nut or collar 24 may be rigidly mountedwithin upper end 12 or may be a snug fitment so long as threaded nut orcollar 24 is held rigid relative to upper end 12 when elongate threadedmember 18 is rotated about a longitudinal axis A of pole 10 by rotationof nut 24 in direction B. A threaded coupler such as hexagonal nut 24 ais rigidly mounted to nut 24. Nut 24 is rotated about longitudinal axisA in direction B by means of a rotational torque applied by torque rodor handle (collectively a rod) 22 when releasably mounted into thethreaded bore of nut 24 a along axis C. Nut 24 a is oriented so thattorque rod 22 extends generally perpendicularly from elongate threadedmember 18 when torque rod 22 is journalled within nut 24 a. Torque rod22 allows a user to rotate elongate threaded member 18 and sleeve 26 byusing torque rod 22 to adjust the length of pole 10 and thereby adjustthe pressure exerted by upper end 12 and lower end 14 against ceiling 30and floor 28 respectively. Threaded member 18 may be painted orotherwise adapted with colored bands so that, for example, a red band 32c becomes visible when threaded member 18 has extended to a point wheredamage or injury could result, or more simply indicates that anextension tube is required. Should the safety pole be installed upon acarpeted floor and compaction of the carpet and underlay occur overtime, the spring will push the pole down into the carpet and underlayand the red band will become visible indicating that threaded member 18must be lengthened until the red band is no longer visible.

Collar 32 a may be rigidly mounted to threaded nut or collar 24. Collar32 b is a snug sliding fit within upper end 12. The purpose of bothcollars 32 a and 32 b is to assist in longitudinally stabilizingelongate threaded member 18 along longitudinal axis A. Collar 32 b ismounted on member 18 and also provides for visual pressure indication bythe presence of red band 32 c thereon.

Bearing plate 60, which may be an elongate channel member or an ovalplate (not shown) or like means for distributing pressure againstceiling 30 cooperates with pole 10 by flanges 62 a and 62 b, which arerigidly mounted in the channel to form a locking cap, releasablymounting onto hexagonal-head nut 34 so as to prevent its rotation.

Thus, because threaded shaft 18 is rigidly mounted at its upper end tonut 34, shaft 18 is not free to rotate about longitudinal axis A when atorque is applied by torque rod 22 so as to rotate threaded shaft 18 indirection B. Thus relative rotational movement is achieved between shaft18 and collar 20 so that, depending on whether shaft 18 and collar 20are left or right hand threaded and depending on the direction ofrotation on shaft 18 relative to collar 20, shaft 18 is either extendedfrom or retracted into upper end 12 of pole 10. Extending shaft 18 fromupper end 12 so as to bear against bearing plate 60 sandwiched againstceiling 30, translates bearing disc 58 downwardly along longitudinalaxis A away from ceiling 30 so as to compress helical spring 56 betweencollars 32 a and 32 b. The return biasing force of helical spring 56 andthe weight of pole 10 bear lower end 14 down onto foot 36. Foot 46 isreleasably mounted to lower end 14 for example by hollow ring 40 on thebase plate of foot 46 which may have raised ridges mating into thehollow end of the tube at lower end 14. Base plate of foot 46 may bebowed so as to be concave downwardly to equalize, distribute andmaintain the downward pressure to the floor 28.

Once initially snugged against ceiling 30, bearing plate 60 providessufficient friction between ceiling 30 and bearing plate 60 so as toresist relative movement therebetween. Thus, rotation of torque rod 22does not have to be countered by hand applied torque to pole 10 oncebearing plate 60 has been snugged against ceiling 30 and nut 34 snuglymated between flanges 62 a and 62 b. Advantageously, in one embodimentbearing plate 60 is both sufficiently long so that it will extend underceiling studs 61 even if not aligned perpendicular to the studs, and isbowed so as to be concave upwardly (shown exaggerated by arrow D) toequalize, distribute and maintain the upward pressure to the studs 61when the pole pushes up between the studs.

In another embodiment of the invention, the safety support structure maybe a support post 210 having a base 212 and a rigid post 214 extendingvertically and centrally from base 212, as seen in FIGS. 13 a-13 c, 14a-14 c, and 15 a-15 c. Base 212 and post 214 may be made of any highstrength material such as steel such that support post 210 may forexample advantageously bear a use weighing up to three hundred poundslifting them-selves from a sitting to a standing position by pulling onone of the accessories described herein. Base 212 may be a squaremounting plate measuring between eight inches by eight inches and teninches by ten inches, although different geometric configurations ofbase 212 is intended within the ambit of the present invention. In anembodiment of the invention, base 212 includes at least two apertures216, wherein conventional fasteners such as screws or bolts may beinserted through apertures 216 to fixedly mount base 212, and hencesupport post 210, to a permanent surface such as a floor. Preferably,base 212 includes four apertures such that support post 210 may besecurely mounted to the floor. Support post 210 may be used as analternative to pole 10 where a floor to ceiling mount is not suitablefor aesthetic, practical, and/or structural reasons. For example, theceiling and/or floor of a mobile home may not be structurally suitablefor supporting pole 10 or a user may consider a floor to ceiling poleunsightly.

Preferably, in one embodiment post 214 measures approximately thirty sixinches in length and has a round cross section, although it should beappreciated that post 214 may comprise various other geometricconfigurations including square, rectangular, and oval cross-sections.The length of post 214 may range from twenty four inches to sixty inchesor the length of post 214 may be adjustable by conventional adjustmentmeans. For example, an upper end of post 214 may be telescopic such thatpost 214 may be adjusted to extend various lengths. Alternatively,additional post segments may be attached to an upper end of post 214 toextend the length of post 214 for different applications. Post 214 maybe hollow along its entire length or at least partially hollow at itsupper end wherein an end cap 215 or plug may be inserted to seal post214.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the safety support structuremay be a wall mount structure 220, as seen in FIGS. 16 a-16 e, 17 a-17c, and 18 a-18 c. The wall mount structure 220 may include a first and asecond rail 222 and 224 respectively, each having a mounting means suchas for example a mounting bracket 226 at each end of first and secondrails 222 and 224 such that first and second rails 222 and 224 may befixedly mounted to a wall by conventional fasteners, such as for examplethose described above. First and second rails 222 and 224 may be made ofany high strength material such as steel such that wall mount structure220 may, again, bear a user weighing for example up to three hundredpounds. Mounting members 228 are adapted to secure a plurality ofsupport accessories 230 (described below) in between first and secondrails 222 and 224 may be detachably mounted to a first end of first andsecond rails 222 and 224. In an embodiment of the invention, mountingmembers 228 are structures including for example the illustrated flangesfor mounting to the rails and stub axles or shafts which are sized to beinserted in opposite ends of a mounting sleeve 264. Support accessories230 may be mounted to sleeve 264, between first and second rails 222 and224.

Support accessories 230 include a plurality of structures mountable onpole 10, support post 210, and wall mount 220. Each support accessory230 is configured to provide means for support to a user, as betterdescribed below. First and second rails 222 and 224 may be horizontallyor vertically mounted on the wall in a parallel and spaced apartorientation. Similarly, the wall mount structure 220 may be used as analternative to pole 10 or support post 210 where a floor to ceilingmount or floor mount is not suitable for aesthetic, structural, orpractical reasons. For example, pole 10 and support post 210 may not beinstalled in or near a bathtub or shower stall for aesthetic,structural, safety and/or practical reasons, but wall mount structure220 may be mounted to a wall beside the bathtub or shower to assist auser.

As seen in FIGS. 6 through 8, which are not intended to be limiting, afirst support accessory 230 includes connector 84 which may be rigidlymounted near the upper end 12 of pole 10. Alternatively, connector 84may be rigidly mounted near the upper end of support post 210 or onmounting members 228 of wall mount structure 220 positioned at aconvenient height on the wall. Connector 84 provides, when used in pairsor tandem on a corresponding pair of poles 10, pair of support posts210, or pair of wall mount structures 220 support between the poles,posts, or wall mount structures such that a rigid rail or track 86 maybe supported therebetween. Track 86 is configured to accommodate aconventional patient hoist 90 well known in the art. Hoist 90 has anassociated harness or sling 92 or the like, which supports patient 94and provides for patient mobility through translation of hoist 90 alongslot 88 defined by the channel of track 86.

Connector 84 includes a lower supporting channel bracket 102. Bracket102 may be fastened to the pole 10 or support post 210 for example byits welding onto a sleeve 232 which is mounted over the top end of pole10 or support post 210 by fastening means. Bracket 102 may also befastened to wall mount 220 by mounting sleeve 232 on mounting members228. In an embodiment of the invention, sleeve 232 defines a centralbore 238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228within bore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 maybe removably inserted in sleeve 232. Sleeve 232 includes opposite openends 240 and 242 wherein pole 10 or post 214 may be removably insertedin sleeve 232 such that pole 10 or post 214 journals through centralbore 238 and open ends 240 and 242. Alternatively, mounting members 228may be removably inserted in open ends 240 and 242 of sleeve 232 suchthat mounting members 228 are wholly or at least substantially disposedand journalled therein. Sleeve 232 may be split at a first end such thatsleeve 232 may detachably clamp around pole 10, post 214 or mountingmembers 228 when fasteners are tightened to secure sleeve 232 on pole10, post 214 or mounting members 228. When the fasteners are released,sleeve 232 may be released from pole 10, post 214, or mounting members228 such that sleeve 232 may be removed. The fasteners may beconventional fasteners such as screws or bolts that may be releaseablysecured such that the split portion of sleeve 232 may releaseably clamponto pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. Preferably, a splitprotective bushing 244 is disposed within central bore 238 such thatprotective bushing 244 is positioned and sandwiched between pole 10,post 214, or mounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve 232which defines bore 238′. Split protective bushing 244 may be made fromplastic or any other resilient protective material such that bushing 244inhibits damage to the exterior finish of pole 10, post 214, or mountingmembers 228. Bushing 244 may also inhibit downward slippage of sleeve232 when sleeve 232 is clamped or cinched onto pole 10 or post 214.Connector 84 is cantilevered perpendicular to axis A. A vertical gusset104 reinforces supporting bracket 102.

Track 86 is a generally inverted U-shaped channel having a solid top web112 and downwardly depending sidewalls 114. Inturned flanges 114 a arespaced apart by slot 88 at the distal ends of sidewalls 114 so thathoist 90 may be firmly supported on the flanges and yet be free tolongitudinally travel the length of slot 88. Aperture 118 formed in topweb 112 near each end 86 a is aligned with corresponding hole 108 inbracket 102 as end 86 a is seated on bracket 102. Threaded bolt 120 ispassed vertically through hole 108 and aperture 118 in top web 112 toreleasably mount end 86 a to pole 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9 a, a second support accessory 230includes cantilevered arm 130 positioned at a convenient height on pole10 by means of vertical mounting sleeve 132, which may be of the sameconstruction as sleeve 232. Alternatively, cantilevered arm 130 may bepositioned at a convenient height on support post 210 or on wall mount220 by vertical mounting sleeve 132. A flexible strap and trapeze handle134 may be attached at a distal end of arm 130. Rigid gusset 136 isconnected at one end to sleeve 132 and to arm 130 at its other end toresist vertically downward bending torque when in use by a patient.Sleeve 132 is split near its lower end 132 a to permit cinching on adesired position on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 of wallmount structure 220 by bolts 138. An elongate split bushing 140 similarto bushing 244 manufactured from P.V.C. or other suitable plastic orresilient or otherwise gripping/protective material is positionedbetween pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 and mounting sleeve132. Split bushing 140 allows arm 130 to be cinched firmly to pole 10,post 214, or mounting members 228 by tightening of sleeve 132 onto thebushing so as to prevent either marring of the exterior finish of pole10, post 214, or mounting members 228 as in the use of marring screws inthe prior art, or downward slippage of arm 130 during use while allowingsome rotational repositioning of arm 130 around the pole 10 or post 214by a patient. It acts as a non-marking limited-slip clamp for anymounted cantilevered attachments such as arm 130.

As may be seen in FIGS. 10 and 10 a, a third support accessory 230includes a support collar 68 mountable to pole midsection 16 so as toreleasably support thereon hand rail 70. Alternatively, support collar68 may be mountable to post 214 or mounting members 228 so as toreleasably support thereon hand rail 70. Hand rail 70 is rigidly mountedto sleeve 72 so as to depend generally perpendicularly from pole 10,support post 210 or wall mount 220 and in particular so as to extendgenerally perpendicularly from pole midsection 16, post 214 or mountingmembers 228 when mounted thereon. Handrail 70 may be formed as a largeradius loop for safety and strength. As stated above, the long handrailloop according to the present invention offers more handhold positionsand the large radius foam covered end of the loop is less likely toinflict serious injuries and bruises caused by a fall against the end ofthe handrail. The loop design affords greater weight bearing withoutdamage or structural failure. Unlike prior art which can be positionedto resist torsional rotation forces which has resulted in a rotationalseparation at either the floor or ceiling and a lateral shifting of thepole, this device uses a positioning collar which is cinched tightlyover a plastic sleeve. The collar permits rapid positioning of thehandle along the length of the pole or post 214 while the handle is freeto rotate about the collar. Sleeve 72 has upper and lower rings 74 and74 a, which prohibit vertical displacement of handrail 70 relative tomounting collar 68. Thus hand rail 70 with upper ring 74 secured inplace by screws or the like to sleeve 72 may be lowered over collar 68and then lower ring 74 a fastened in a like manner to sleeve 72. Handrail 70 may then be rotated to different and more convenient positions.Support collar 68 may be releasably mounted onto pole midsection 16,post 214, or mounting member 228 by means of clamping bolts 78 or otherclamping means known in the art. Alternatively, sleeve 72 may be of thesame construction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 72 defines a central bore238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 withinbore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 may beremovably inserted in sleeve 72, as seen in FIGS. 14 a to 14 c and 17 ato 17 c. Sleeve 72 may be split at a first end such that sleeve 72 maydetachably clamp around pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 whenfasteners 234 are tightened to secure sleeve 72 on pole 10, post 214 ormounting members 228. Preferably, a split protective bushing 244 isdisposed within central bore 238 such that protective bushing 244 ispositioned between pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 and theinterior surface of sleeve 72.

FIGS. 11 through 12 illustrate a fourth support accessory 230 wherein anaccessory tray 150 may be mountable to pole 10. Alternatively, accessorytray 150 may be mountable to post 214 or mounting members 228. Tray 150includes a steel frame 152 and a removable tray top 152 a which isrigidly mounted to sleeve 154, by welding or the like, so as to dependgenerally perpendicularly from pole 10, support post 210, or wall mountstructure 220. A bushing 156 and clamping collar 158 are releasablycinched at the desired position on pole 10, post 214, or mountingmembers 228 by means of bolts 160 on collar 158. Sleeve 154 slipsdownwardly over bushing 156 and is supported at the desired height onpole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 by resting on collar 158.Bushing 156 allows tightening of collar 158 and the rotation of tray 150on pole 10 without marring the finish on pole 10. Alternatively, sleeve154 may be of the same construction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 154defines a central bore 238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 ormounting members 228 within bore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 ormounting members 228 may be removably inserted in sleeve 154. Sleeve 154may be split at a first end such that sleeve 154 may detachably clamparound pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 when fasteners aretightened to secure sleeve 154 on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members228. Preferably, bushing 156 is a split protective bushing is disposedwithin central bore 238 such that bushing 156 is positioned between pole10, post 214 or mounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve154.

FIGS. 13 a to 13 c and FIGS. 16 a to 16 e illustrate a fifth supportaccessory 230 wherein a retractable horizontal bar 250 may be mountableto post 214, or mounting members 228. Alternatively, retractablehorizontal bar 250 may be mountable to pole midsection 16. Retractablebat 250 includes a supporting bracket 252 which may be rigidly mountedto a sleeve 254 for example by its welding onto sleeve 254 such thatsleeve 254 may be mounted over top end of pole 10 or post 214 andsecured by fastening means 256 so as to releasably support thereonretractable bar 250. Retractable bar 250 may also be mountable to wallmount 220 by mounting sleeve 254 on mounting members 228. Retractablebar 250 is pivotally mounted to bracket 252, for example by way of apivot pin 258, so as to extend generally perpendicularly from polemidsection 16, post 214 or mounting members 228 when in a first orlowered position. Retractable bar 250 may be elevated, rotated orotherwise displaced into a second or retracted position, in theillustrated embodiment by upwardly pivoting retractable bar 250 aboutpivot pin 258 such that retractable bar 250 is generally parallel topole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228. Sleeve 254 may be of thesame construction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 254 defines a centralbore 238 sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228within bore 238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 maybe removably inserted in sleeve 254. Sleeve 254 may be split at a firstend such that sleeve 254 may detachably clamp around pole 10, post 214or mounting members 228 when fasteners 256 are tightened to securesleeve 254 on pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. Preferably, asplit protective bushing 244 is disposed within central bore 238 suchthat protective bushing 244 is positioned between pole 10, post 214 ormounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve 254.Alternatively, retractable bar 250 may be mounted to pole 10, post 214or mounting members 228 in a manner similar to the mounting of accessorytray 150 wherein a bushing and clamping collar are releasably cinched ata desired position on pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 bymeans of bolts on the collar such that sleeve 254 may slip downwardlyover the bushing and be supported at the desired height on pole 10, post214, or mounting members 228 by resting on the collar.

FIGS. 15 a through 15 c and FIGS. 18 a to 18 c illustrate a sixthsupport accessory 230 wherein a rigid horizontal bar 260 may bemountable to post 214 or mounting members 228. Alternatively, rigidhorizontal bar 260 may be mountable to pole midsection 16. Rigid bar 260includes a supporting bracket 262 rigidly mounted to a sleeve 264 andrigid bar 260 to reinforce rigid bar 260. Rigid bar 260 may be mountableon pole 10 or post 214 by mounting sleeve 264 over top end of pole 10 orpost 214 and securing fastening means 266 so as to releasably supportthereon rigid bar 260. Rigid bar 260 may also be mountable to wall mount220 by mounting sleeve 264 on mounting members 228. Rigid bar 260 isrigidly mounted to sleeve 254 by welding or the like, so as to extendgenerally perpendicularly from pole midsection 16, post 214 or mountingmembers 228 when mounted thereon. Sleeve 264 may be of the sameconstruction as sleeve 232 wherein sleeve 264 defines a central bore 238sized to receive pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 within bore238 such that pole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228 may be removablyinserted in sleeve 264. Sleeve 264 may be split at a first end such thatsleeve 264 may detachably clamp around pole 10, post 214 or mountingmembers 228 when fasteners 266 are tightened to secure sleeve 264 onpole 10, post 214 or mounting members 228. Preferably, a splitprotective bushing 244 is disposed within central bore 238 such thatprotective bushing 244 is positioned between pole 10, post 214 ormounting members 228 and the interior surface of sleeve 264.Alternatively, rigid bar 260 may be mounted to pole 10, post 214 ormounting members 228 in a manner similar to the mounting of accessorytray 150 wherein a bushing and clamping collar are releasably cinched ata desired position on pole 10, post 214, or mounting members 228 bymeans of bolts on the collar such that sleeve 264 may slip downwardlyover the bushing and be supported at the desired height on pole 10, post214, or mounting members 228 by resting on the collar.

FIGS. 19 a to 19 c illustrate a seventh support accessory wherein a bedframe support 270 may be mountable to a lower end of support post 210.Alternatively, bed frame support 270 may also be mountable to lower end14 of pole 10. Bed frame support 270 includes a hollow arm 272 rigidlymounted to a sleeve 274 and an elongate L-shaped support 276 rigidlymounted to hollow arm 272 and sleeve 274. A vertical side 276 a ofelongate L-shaped support 276 is rigidly mounted to sleeve 274 and ahorizontal side 276 b of elongate L-shaped support 276 is rigidlymounted to an upper surface of hollow arm 272. Bed frame support 270 maybe mountable at a convenient height on pole 10 or post 214 by mountingsleeve 274 over an end of pole 10 or post 214 and securing fasteningmeans 278 such that elongate L-shaped support 276, which is in generallyparallel orientation with a bed frame, may engage and mate with a firstside of the bed frame. L-shaped support 276 may be secured onto thefirst side of the bed frame by conventional securing means such asfasteners including screws and bolts such that bed frame support 270 maybe anchored to the bed frame. An elongate member 279 may be adjustablyand detachably received in the bore defined by hollow arm 272 such thata distal end of elongate member 279 may engage a second side of the bedframe, opposite to the first side of the bed frame L-shaped support 276engages. In an embodiment of the invention, distal end of elongatemember 279 defines a slot configured to slidably receive an edge of thebed frame such that the slot frictionally engages the edge of the bedframe. Sleeve 274 may be mounted over top end of pole 10 or post 214 byfastening means so as to releasably support thereon L-shaped support276. Hollow arm 272 is rigidly mounted to sleeve 274 by welding or thelike, so as to extend generally perpendicularly from pole lower end 14or post 214 when mounted thereon. Sleeve 274 provides additional supportto pole 10 or post 214 when using any of the support accessories 230 inassociation with the bed and elongate L-shaped support, hollow arm 272,and elongate member 279 anchors the bed frame to the bed frame support270. Sleeve 274 may be of the same construction as sleeve 232 whereinsleeve 274 defines a central bore 238 sized to receive pole 10 or post214 within bore 238 such that pole 10 or post 214 may be removablyinserted in sleeve 274. Sleeve 274 may be split at a first end such thatsleeve 274 may detachably clamp around pole 10 or post 214 whenfasteners 278 are tightened to secure sleeve 274 on pole 10 or post 214.Preferably, a split protective bushing 244 is disposed within centralbore 238 such that protective bushing 244 is positioned between pole 10or post 214 and the interior surface of sleeve 232. Alternatively, bedframe support 270 may be mounted to pole 10 or post 214 in a mannersimilar to the mounting of accessory tray 150 wherein a bushing andclamping collar are releasably cinched at a desired position on pole 10or post 214 by means of bolts on the collar such that sleeve 274 mayslip downwardly over the bushing and be supported at the desired heighton pole 10 or post 214 by resting on the collar.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of theforegoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible inthe practice of this invention without departing from the spirit orscope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to beconstrued in accordance with the substance defined by the followingclaims.

1. A modular safety support system comprising: a modular supportstructure rigidly mountable to a fixed surface, said modular supportstructure including a vertical support pole, a support post, or a wallmount; and a modular support accessory mountable on said modular supportstructure, said modular support accessory including a rigid railconnector, a rigid loop, a trapeze handle, a tray, a retractable bar, arigid bar, or a bed frame support; wherein said modular supportaccessory includes an accessory mounting sleeve having a splittherealong and a clamp mounted thereon for clamping said split tothereby releasably rigidly mount said modular support accessory on saidmodular support structure; and wherein said modular accessory isinterchangeably mountable on said support structure.
 2. The modularsafety support system of claim 1 wherein said vertical support polecomprises: opposite upper and lower ends adapted to abut firmly andreleasably against opposed ceiling and floor surfaces respectively,wherein length adjustment means are mounted into said pole so as tocooperate with a releasably mountable torque application meansreleasably mountable onto, so as to cooperate with, said lengthadjustment means, resilient biasing means mounted in said pole, saidresilient biasing means resiliently biasing said opposite ends of saidpole apart along a longitudinal axis of said pole, a pressuredistributing means mounted onto said upper end of said pole, saidpressure distributing means for distributing pressure onto the ceilingsurface, said upper end adapted by releasable mounting means cooperatingwith said pressure distributing means to resist rotational movement ofsaid upper end relative to said pressure distributing means, said lowerend mountable to a base member on the floor surface, said base member invertically opposed relation to said pressure distributing means whereinsaid pole further comprises a bushing mounted to said pole positionedalong the length of the pole, said accessory mounting sleeve mountableonto said bushing for mounting thereto said modular accessory, wherein,as the length of the pole is increased by said length adjusting means,said resilient biasing means increases a biasing force urging said endsof said pole apart.
 3. The modular safety support system of claim 2wherein said base member is curved concavely downwardly and is resilientso as to resiliently deform under pressure exerted along saidlongitudinal axis by said resilient biasing means to thereby flattenagainst the floor surface and re-form into said concavity upon anycompacting down of the floor surface.
 4. The modular safety supportsystem of claim 2 wherein said resilient biasing means is a coil springand said length adjustment means is an elongate threaded memberthreadably mountable longitudinally within a cavity in said pole,threadably mountable into threaded engagement within a threadedreceiving means mounted on said spring.
 5. The modular safety supportsystem of claim 4 wherein said torque application means cooperates withsaid elongate threaded member so as to rotate in threaded engagementsaid elongate threaded member within said threaded receiving means whena torque is applied by said torque application means to thereby extendsaid elongate threaded member from, or retract said elongate threadedmember into, said upper end selectively according to opposite first orsecond directions of rotation of said elongate threaded member aboutsaid longitudinal axis.
 6. The modular safety support system of claim 5wherein an upper end of said threaded member mates with a non-rotatablecoupler on said pressure bearing member so as to inhibit rotation ofsaid threaded member relative to said pressure bearing member about saidlongitudinal axis of said pole.
 7. The modular safety support system ofclaim 6 wherein said threaded receiving means is a threaded collar andsaid torque application means is a torque rod snugly releasablymountable into a corresponding socket mounted to said threaded collar sothat said rod protrudes cantilevered generally perpendicularly from saidthreaded collar when said torque rod is releasably mounted in saidsocket, and wherein said upper end of said elongate threaded memberextends journalled through said spring from said upper end of said polewhen said elongate threaded member is in threaded engagement within saidthreaded collar.
 8. The modular safety support system of claim 9 whereinsaid torque rod is adapted to be generally rigid below a first torquevalue and adapted to flexibly deform above said first torque valuewherein said first torque value corresponds to a torque applied in saidfirst or second rotational direction to said elongate threaded member soas to apply a corresponding first pressure against said ceiling surfaceby the pressure distributing means and against said floor surface bysaid base member, wherein said first pressure securely frictionallymounts said pole vertically between said ceiling and floor surfaceswithout damaging either the ceiling surface or the floor surface, and soas to flatten the bowed pressure bearing member.
 9. The modular safetysupport system of claim 2 wherein said upper end is mounted to saidpressure distributing means by a universal joint means, said pressuredistributing means including an upwardly concave resiliently bowedelongate pressure bearing member adapted to mount to said upper endgenerally medially along the length of said member and elongate asufficient length so that opposite end portions of said pressure bearingmember may be brought to bear upwardly against ceiling studs supportingthe ceiling surface, said pressure bearing member deformable under thepressure exerted along said longitudinal axis by said resilient biasingmeans.
 10. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein saidbushing is a resilient split bushing, said clamp of said mounting sleevereleasably clamping said sleeve onto said resilient split bushing. 11.The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein said lower end ismounted onto said base member by means of a male member in matingengagement with a female receiver, said male member mounted to said basemember and having at least one ridge along its length for snugfrictional mating with said female receiver in said lower end.
 12. Themodular safety support system of claim 4 further comprising apressure-level indicating means cooperating between said coil spring andsaid threaded member so that as said spring is compressed with therotation of said threaded member in threaded engagement with saidthreaded receiving means, a pressure indicating marker signals excessiveforce at a damage threshold for the ceiling or floor.
 13. The modularsafety support system of claim 2 wherein a rigid rail is mountable tosaid rigid rail connector, said rigid rail extending between a pair ofsaid poles.
 14. The modular safety support system of claim 2 whereinsaid rigid loop when mounted to said pole is cantilevered outwardly ofsaid pole by the length of said loop, said loop being elongate along itslength.
 15. The modular safety support system of claim 2 wherein saidtrapeze handle is attached to a flexible strap, said flexible strapattached to a distal end of a cantilevered arm which extends generallyperpendicularly from said pole when mounted thereon.
 16. The modularsafety support system of claim 2 wherein said tray comprises a frame anda removable tray top, said frame extending generally perpendicularlyfrom said pole when mounted thereon.
 17. The modular safety supportsystem of claim 2 wherein said retractable bar is pivotably mounted on abracket such that said retractable bar may displace between a firstposition and a second position wherein when in said first position, saidretractable bar extends generally perpendicularly from said pole andwhen in said second position, said retractable bar extends generallyparallel to said pole when mounted thereon.
 18. The modular safetysupport system of claim 2 wherein said rigid bar extends generallyperpendicularly from said pole when mounted thereon.
 19. The modularsafety support system of claim 2 wherein said bed frame supportcomprises an elongate L-shaped support for engaging a first side of abed frame in a generally parallel orientation and an elongate member forengaging a second opposing side of said bed frame in a generallyperpendicular orientation such that said bed frame support providesadditional stability to said pole and anchors said bed frame to said bedframe support when said bed frame support is mounted on said pole. 20.The modular safety support system of claim 1 wherein said support postcomprises: a base mountable on a floor surface; and a rigid postextending vertically from said base; wherein a bushing is mountable onsaid post, said bushing positioned along a length of said post; andwherein said accessory mounting sleeve is mountable onto said bushingfor mounting thereto said modular accessory.
 21. The modular safetysupport system of claim 20 wherein said bushing is a resilient splitbushing, said clamp releasably clamping said sleeve onto said bushing.22. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein a rigid railis mountable to said rigid rail connector, said rigid rail extendingbetween a pair of said posts.
 23. The modular safety support system ofclaim 20 wherein said rigid loop when mounted to said post iscantilevered outwardly of said post by the length of said loop, saidloop being elongate along its length.
 24. The modular safety supportsystem of claim 20 wherein said trapeze handle is attached to a flexiblestrap, said flexible strap attached to a distal end of a cantileveredarm which extends generally perpendicularly from said post when mountedthereon.
 25. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein saidtray comprises a frame and a removable tray top, said frame extendinggenerally perpendicularly from said post when mounted thereon.
 26. Themodular safety support system of claim 20 wherein said retractable baris pivotably mounted on a bracket such that said retractable bar maydisplace between a first position and a second position wherein when insaid first position, said retractable bar extends generallyperpendicularly from said post and when in said second position, saidretractable bar extends generally parallel to said post when mountedthereon.
 27. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein saidrigid bar extends generally perpendicularly from said post when mountedthereon.
 28. The modular safety support system of claim 20 wherein saidbed frame support comprises an elongate L-shaped support for engaging afirst side of a bed frame in a generally parallel orientation and anelongate member for engaging a second opposing side of said bed frame ina generally perpendicular orientation such that said bed frame supportprovides additional stability to said post and anchors said bed frame tosaid bed frame support when said bed frame support is mounted on saidpost.
 29. The modular safety support system of claim 1 wherein said wallmount comprises: a first and a second rail, each of said first andsecond rail having a mounting means for mounting said first and secondrail on a wall; and a first and a second mounting member mountable onsaid first and said second rail, respectively; wherein said first andsaid second mounting members are configured to be insertable in opposingends of said mounting sleeve for mounting thereto said modularaccessory.
 30. The modular safety support system of claim 29 whereinsaid first and said second rail may be generally horizontally orgenerally vertically mounted on said wall in a parallel and spaced apartorientation.
 31. The modular safety support system of claim 30 wherein aresilient split bushing is disposed within said mounting sleeve.
 32. Themodular safety support system of claim 29 wherein a rigid rail ismountable to said rigid rail connector, said rigid rail extendingbetween a pair of wall mounts.
 33. The modular safety support system ofclaim 29 wherein said rigid loop when mounted to said wall mount iscantilevered outwardly of said wall mount by the length of said loop,said loop being elongate along its length.
 34. The modular safetysupport system of claim 29 wherein said trapeze handle is attached to aflexible strap, said flexible strap attached to a distal end of acantilevered arm which extends generally perpendicularly from said wallmount when mounted thereon.
 35. The modular safety support system ofclaim 29 wherein said tray comprises a frame and a removable tray top,said frame extending generally perpendicularly from said wall mount whenmounted thereon.
 36. The modular safety support system of claim 29wherein said retractable bar is pivotably mounted on a bracket such thatsaid retractable bar may displace between a first position and a secondposition wherein when in said first position, said retractable barextends generally perpendicularly from said wall mount and when in saidsecond position, said retractable bar extends generally parallel to saidfirst and second mounting members when mounted thereon.
 37. The modularsafety support system of claim 29 wherein said rigid bar extendsgenerally perpendicularly from said wall mount when mounted thereon.